Larry Motsinger turned himself in Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The case involves cattle found in poor condition. The investigation began following several complaints from people in the area.

Motsinger has served as a Washington County deputy sheriff for more than 20 years, but now he's the one facing criminal charges.

"We are the ones who got the initial complaint," said Washington County Sheriff Claude Combs.

That complaint stemmed from 16 of the more than 30 head of cattle authorities said Motsinger cared for on two properties in Pekin.

The 66-year-old is accused of neglecting the animals, even leaving two to die and decompose.

"I can't answer why he would do something like that, why anyone would do that. Farm animals are a business, so I can't answer why he would do that," said Combs.

Court documents show Indiana State Police found the cows unfed and extremely thin.

Investigators said Motsinger was first warned to improve those conditions.

"The state police, as well as the state veterinarian, went to his residence several times to try and correct the problem and it ultimately wasn't corrected," said Harrison County prosecutor Otto Schalk, who was appointed to this case by a judge.

On Wednesday, he charged Motsinger with 14 counts of animal cruelty and two felony counts of improperly disposing of a dead animal.

"It is a Class D felony in the state of Indiana if you have an animal, you know it has been dead for over 24 hours, and you fail to dispose of it in a proper manner," said Schalk.

For now, Motsinger has been suspended from his job without pay, and the sheriff said a merit board will determine what comes next.

"Basically, what we'll do is decide what this department and Larry's future is together," said Combs.

Motsinger couldn't be reached for this story and a family member declined to comment.

He's out of jail on a $10,000 bond and is expected in court next month.